McDowell High School is a public high school located in Millcreek Township, Pennsylvania, a suburb of Erie. It is the only high school in the Millcreek Township School District. The school's mascot is the Trojan.
Serving 2,133 students in grades 9-12, Mcdowell High School ranks in the top 50% of all schools in Pennsylvania for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 43% (which is higher than the Pennsylvania state average of 38%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 70% (which is higher than the Pennsylvania state average of 55%).
The student-teacher ratio of 14:1 is higher than the Pennsylvania state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 21% of the student body (majority Asian and Hispanic), which is lower than the Pennsylvania state average of 40% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 2,133 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
- Minority Enrollment: 21%
- Graduation Rate: 92% (Top 50% in PA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50%
- Math Proficiency: 43% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 70% (Top 30%)
- Science Proficiency: 64% (Top 50%)
- Attendance Zone: McDowell High School's attendance zone covers the entire district in Erie, PA, encompassing approximately 29.3 square miles. The typical drive to the school is between 10 to 12 minutes, with the average distance from the school to the zone's edge being 3.8 miles, and the furthest edge located 8.3 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), PA Dept. of Education
School Overview
Mcdowell High School's student population of 2,133 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 148 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
2,133 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 16-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
148 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. Full 16-year historical data available below ↓
Year Founded
1954
School Calendar
School Motto
Innovate...Inspire...Excel
School Rankings
Mcdowell High School ranks within the top 50% of all 2,733 schools in Pennsylvania (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Mcdowell High School is 0.37, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.60. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#863 out of 2733 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
43%
38%
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
70%
55%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
64%
57%
Student-Teacher Ratio
14:1
13:1
Showing 2016–2025. Full 16-year historical data available below ↓
Asian
6%
5%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 16-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
5%
16%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 16-year historical data available below ↓
Black
3%
14%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 16-year historical data available below ↓
White
79%
60%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 16-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
7%
5%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. Full 16-year historical data available below ↓
Graduation Rate
92%
87.5%
Showing 2014–2023. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)26.7%
23.3%
Eligible for Free Lunch
45%
59%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 16-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
3%
2%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 16-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
Colors
White, Blue
School Mascot
Trojans
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), PA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mcdowell High School's ranking?
Mcdowell High School is ranked #863 out of 2,733 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in Pennsylvania.
What schools are Mcdowell High School often compared to?
Mcdowell High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Fairview High School, Fort Leboeuf Sr. High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
43% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 38% PA state average), while 70% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 55% PA state average).
What is the graduation rate of Mcdowell High School?
The graduation rate of Mcdowell High School is 92%, which is higher than the Pennsylvania state average of 87.5%.
How many students attend Mcdowell High School?
2,133 students attend Mcdowell High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
79% of Mcdowell High School students are White, 7% of students are Two or more races, 6% of students are Asian, 5% of students are Hispanic, and 3% of students are Black.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Mcdowell High School?
Mcdowell High School has a student ration of 14:1, which is higher than the Pennsylvania state average of 13:1.
What grades does Mcdowell High School offer ?
Mcdowell High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Mcdowell High School part of?
Mcdowell High School is part of Millcreek Township School District.
School Reviews
5 10/10/2025
McDowell is an amazing school. I am currently a student attending this school and all the teachers and administrators are very kind and willing to help students learn the material even if it's during after school tutoring or their own lesson planning block.
3 10/10/2025
Challenging classes and blah blah blah blah, but there are hardly any windows in this freaking school! Who the heck designed this thing!? It is not that hard to imagine that humans don't like to be stuck inside all day, day after day with no natural sunlight. Whoever built the MIHS building needs to rethink their career choice!
4 10/10/2025
Though the school ignores cases of racism and bullying, nice educational program.
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